At CGMS, we believe that the purpose of discipline is to foster responsibility, independence, positive attitudes, and self-determination. The best discipline is self-control. Self-control is based upon the understanding of the limits of one’s freedom and actions as they relate to others.  A major goal of Cedar Grove Middle School is to help students develop self-discipline and self-control. Though discipline is not taught as a separate subject, self-discipline is one of the most important factors in the achievement of the student. The student who develops and maintains self-discipline in school will be more successful and more appreciative of the rights and responsibilities of himself and of other students. At Cedar Grove Middle School, we believe that parent, teacher, and student communication is the key in meeting the needs of our students. Strong partnerships between teacher and parent will result in the elimination of most discipline issues. All students receive a Brunswick County Schools Code of Conduct booklet that applies to everyone at Cedar Grove Middle. Cedar Grove Middle School strictly enforces the BCS Code of Conduct.  

The General Statutes of the State of North Carolina state that the principal shall have the authority to exercise discipline over the pupils of the school (§ 115C-288.  Powers and Duties of Principal).  In accordance with those statutes, the principal shall exercise that authority and take necessary action to ensure a safe and orderly school. Any student found in violation of student behavior guidelines (at school, on a school bus traveling to or from school or to or from any school function or activity) is subject to assignment to after-school detention, in-school suspension, or suspension from school on a short-term (10 days or less), long-term (remainder of the semester/year), or permanent basis. Action will be taken in accordance with the policies described below. The school administration will involve law enforcement officials when necessary and report such incidents to the superintendent. The school administration will notify parents of disciplinary actions.

Cedar Grove Middle School Disciplinary Program

• Consequences for behavior violations may include, but are not limited to: administrative conference, detention, loss of privileges, in-school suspension (ISS), out-of-school suspension (OSS), long-term suspension, expulsion, and restitution.

• Each grade level follows a "Step Chart" for minor disciplinary incidents. As an integral part of our PBIS system, we want to take all necessary steps to ensure students remain in class where learning can take place and students can be successful both in the classroom and in life. Violations of the PBIS School-Wide Matrix are typically considered step-level behaviors.

• Each classroom teacher will provide students with up to two corrective steps or interventions before behavior concerns are elevated to the front office. Parents/guardians will be notified by the teacher each time a step is assigned to ensure ongoing communication regarding student behavior.

• If a student receives a third step, or any additional behavioral infractions beyond the first two classroom-managed steps, the incident will result in an office referral. Once a referral is submitted, school administrators will address the behavior in accordance with the Middle School Discipline Matrix, and disciplinary consequences may include administrative conference, detention, loss of privileges, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, restitution, or other consequences as outlined in district guidelines.

• The step process will reset at the conclusion of each semester. This system is designed to provide students with opportunities to correct behavior while ensuring consistent expectations and accountability across the school.

In-School Suspension (ISS)

• Students assigned to In-School Suspension (ISS) are expected to continue their academic work in a structured environment. All assignments will be provided in paper-and-pencil format. Chromebooks and other personal electronic devices will not be permitted in ISS unless specifically authorized by school administration for an approved educational or testing purpose. Students are expected to complete all assigned work, follow ISS expectations, and remain engaged throughout the school day.

CGMS 2026-2027 Discipline and Bus Matrix 

Please be advised that neither this handbook nor the Brunswick County Discipline Handbook is all-inclusive.  Incidents cited will be dealt with according to federal, state, and local policies and laws.

Refer to the Disciplinary Behaviors: Operational Definitions & Procedures for further information.

Lunch Detention

Lunch Detention will be served during the students scheduled lunch time.  Students who fail to immediately report their assigned lunch detention will receive further consequences. Students will eat their lunch during the detention with Lt. Stanley in the ISS room.

In-School Suspension

Parents will be notified of each ISS assignment by phone and/or letter. Parent conferences will be scheduled as needed. Students are responsible for following all ISS rules and completing all assignments while in the ISS room. Chromebooks are not permitted inside the ISS room. All work will be given for students to complete by their classroom teachers. 

Out-of-School Suspension

Out-of-school suspension is used as a last resort for violations of law, Board of Education policy, repeat offenders, or when the student’s behavior is disruptive to the education and safety of other students. A student will be recommended for long-term suspension from Cedar Grove Middle School when the student has repeatedly violated the rules and policies of the school.  Parents of suspended students will be notified by phone if possible, and also by letter.  Suspended students may not participate in any extracurricular activities, be on school grounds, or attend any school functions at or away from Cedar Grove Middle School during the suspension.